Aaron Mangin

Mental health issues come in many forms and with numerous etiologies. From chemical imbalances to painful events, burdens are created that one might have trouble dealing with on their own. It is at these times that I feel that the individual needs to be reminded of their strengths in overcoming their obstacles and shown that there is light to be found at the end of the tunnel. Too often, there is a stigma that people fight when it comes to mental health that keeps them from seeking help. I find it imperative that this be changed within our society so that the issue’s prevalence can be addressed with the care it requires.

Life has shown me the importance of the link between experience and emotion. People come from different backgrounds and traumas. Having worked with patients across the lifespan, I have seen patients find various ways to cope with their pains and overcome their traumas. Mental health helps should never be used to help someone “get over” any particular event or distress. Instead, the use of therapy and medications are tools to help people ‘get through’ the pain and find their footing in the world again.